-pacific economic cooperation forum. acting u.s. traderepresentativedemetriosmarantisreadthe statement declaring that 11 countries had officially approved japan's participation in free trade talks. >> tpp ministers noted that japan's participation in the negotiation will underscore the economic significance of tpp. motegi later told reporters that the tpp talks are expected to be held in july in addition to talks in may and september which have already been decided.o be to talks in may and september which have already been decided. >> translator: the approval of japan's participation will make it easier than before for us to collect tpp-related information, and we will prepare accordingly. >> he also said japan will be firm in the talks to protect its interests. japan's participation is expected to start in late july. >>> venezuela's new president has promised to be firm with the united states. nicholas ma dour row made the pledge when he was sworn in as the new president at the ceremony in the capital caracas. ma dour res who appointed as a successor by late president hugo chavez who